Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268 ft waterfall on the Snoqualmie River.   It is one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions but we really didn’t think it would be so crowded.  Most of the river is diverted into the power plants, but at times the river is high enough to flow across the entire precipice, which creates an almost blinding spray. High water occurs following a period of heavy rains or snow followed by warm rainy weather. This can occur during the rainy season which lasts from November through March. During high water, the falls take on a curtain form. 

                                                                                  

There are two hydroelectric power plants at Snoqualmie Falls, both currently operated by Puget Sound Energy. Power plant 1 was built in 1898 and operates at the base of the falls embedded in the rock 270 feet below the surface. It was the world's first completely underground power plant.  Power plant 2 was built in 1910 and further expanded in 1957, and is located a short distance downstream of the falls. Approximately 1% of Puget Sound Energy sales comes from the plant. These two power plants provide 44,000 kilowatts of electricity, which is enough to service 16,000 average homes. 

We had a wonderful time.  It was a very scenic drive.

Mt. Rainier and the Lemay Car Museum

Sunday afternoon Ed’s daughter Shelia came and picked us up and drove us up to Mt. Rainier.  It was a beautiful afternoon after a cloudy morning.  It seems the mornings are always cloudy but most afternoons it warms up nicely. 

           
 
We drove up to Paradise.  It’s about as far as you can go from the south entrance.  There was still a lot of snow so the meadow didn’t have any wildflowers. 
           
 
Yesterday we went to the Lemay Car Museum. 
Lots of old cars. And some different ones.

   
  
Our time here is winding down.  Tonight we are having a bbq at Shelia’s. 

Graduation

We are here in the Tacoma Washington area to attend the graduation of Ed’s grandson Michael.  We arrived in the area Thursday.  We are staying at the Elks Club in Puyallup.  Its a nice grassy area with 30 amp electrical service.  They have a dump station with good potable water.  For $15.00 a night its a great bargain  for the area. 
Daughter Shelia and Michael came over for dinner on Thursday.  Friday we went over to Shelia’s and the 3 of us went out to a local Mexican restaurant for dinner and Karaoke.
The graduation ceremony was Saturday.
             
After the graduation, we went to dinner at a local Japanese restaurant.  Michael’s favorite place and what he wanted. 
      
A very good day and we are proud of Michael for graduating with honors.